Size / Weight / Age

This species is distinguished from its congeners in the Caspian Sea basin by the following characters: 75-95 % of distance between its origin and anus; ctenoid scales completely cover predorsal area and nape; pelvic disc fraenum with angular lobes, fraenum length 1/6-1/2 of its width at base; scales in midlateral series 68-72 + 3-4; snout length 1.5-1.6 times in eye diameter; interorbital distance 0.8-0.9 times eye diameter; first branched ray of second dorsal about as long as penultimate ray; posterior part of first dorsal without black spot. This species is different from N. kessleri in the area in having a distinctive karyotype, some osteological characters and cycloid scales on opercle and anterior part of the nape (vs. ctenoid) (Ref. 59043).

Biology
Glossary
(e.g. epibenthic)

Inhabitant of inshore areas, estuaries, brackish and fresh water of lagoons and lakes, large rivers, harbours, on rock (stone or firm sand) bottom; mainly on well vegetated bottom (Ref.13696, 59043). Most females spawn for the first time at 1 year, males at 2 years, in April-May, rarely until July. Adhesive eggs are deposited on stones, shells and aquatic plants and the males guard the eggs after hatching. Feeds mostly on small fish, as well as a wide variety of invertebrates (Ref.59043).